# What are good IEP goals for autistic students?

> What IDEA requires, how to write measurable goals, examples by area and grade, and how to track progress.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/iep-goals-autism
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Under IDEA, an IEP must include measurable annual goals and explain how progress will be measured and reported. Good goals for autistic students are specific, observable, based on current performance, and meaningful: often covering communication, social participation, self-regulation, independence in routines and academics. Write each goal with the condition, behavior, criterion and timeframe.

**Key takeaways**
- IDEA requires **measurable annual goals** and a plan for **measuring and reporting progress**.
- Write goals with **condition, behavior, criterion, timeframe**.
- Cover **communication, social, regulation, independence** and **academics**.
- Keep goals **meaningful** to the student and family.

## What does IDEA require?

An IEP must include a statement of the student's present levels, measurable annual goals, how progress will be measured and when progress reports will be provided.[1] IEP teams must also consider special factors, including positive behavioral supports where behavior affects learning, and whether the student needs assistive technology.[2]

## How do I write a measurable goal?

> By [date], given [condition], [student] will [observable behavior] with [criterion], as measured by [method].

**Example:** "By May, given a visual schedule, Maya will move between classroom activities within 2 minutes in 4 of 5 transitions across 3 consecutive weeks, as measured by teacher data."

## What are example goals by area?

| Area | Example goal |
| --- | --- |
| Communication | Given a choice board, will request preferred items or help in 80% of opportunities |
| Social | During structured play, will take turns with a peer for 3 exchanges in 4 of 5 sessions |
| Self-regulation | When upset, will use a break card or calm corner routine in 4 of 5 observed opportunities |
| Independence | Using a picture task list, will complete the arrival routine with no more than one prompt on 4 of 5 days |
| Academics | Given a visual organizer, will write 3 related sentences in 4 of 5 writing tasks |

**Start from present levels.** A goal is only measurable if you know the baseline. Collect a week of data before writing it.

## What should I avoid?

**Try:**
- Goals tied to real routines and settings
- Including generalization across people or places
- Asking the family what matters most

**Skip:**
- Vague goals like 'improve social skills'
- Goals that only make a student look less autistic
- Forced eye contact

Free printable: [Free printable: one-page pupil profile](https://theautismkit.com/printables/pupil-profile.pdf)

## What can I do before the next IEP meeting?

- [ ] Collect a week of baseline data
- [ ] Draft goals with condition, behavior, criterion and timeframe
- [ ] Ask the family which routines matter most

For families: [What is an IEP, and how do I get one?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/iep-for-autism)

## Common questions

### How many goals should an IEP have?

IDEA doesn't set a number. Choose enough goals to address the student's priority needs without spreading instruction too thin.

### Can goals include visual supports?

Yes. Conditions like 'using a visual schedule' are common, and the supports themselves can be listed as accommodations or supplementary aids.

### Should I include stopping stimming as a goal?

Generally no. Harmless stimming often helps students regulate. Focus goals on skills that improve learning, communication and independence.

## Sources

1. Legal Information Institute: 34 CFR § 300.320, definition of individualized education program. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/34/300.320
2. Legal Information Institute: 34 CFR § 300.324, development, review and revision of IEP. https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/34/300.324
3. Center for Parent Information and Resources: The short-and-sweet IEP overview. https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iep-overview/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.